Jyri Hietala

Bio: Jyri Hietala is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Exchange-rate pass-through & European union. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 4 publications receiving 16 citations.

Networks in international opportunity recognition among Finnish wood product industry SMEs

Abstract: Bioeconomy development will create new opportunities for firms operating in the international wood products markets, and identifying and exploiting these opportunities is emphasized as a key concept to achieving business success. Our study will attempt to address a gap in the literature on sawmill industry business development from the viewpoint of international opportunity recognition. The aim of our study is to provide a holistic description on how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the wood products industry recognize and exploit international business opportunities, and how they utilize network perspectives in this context. The subject was examined through Finnish wood product industry SMEs by interviewing 11 managers and industry representatives. The results suggest that SMEs recognize international opportunities reactively per se. Social networks formed in professional forums were an important information channel for identifying international opportunities. Through vertical business networks, such as sales agents, firms have been able to increase their international market presence and free their own resources for other important activities. Horizontal dyadic business networks were seen to facilitate new international opportunities through cooperation, while excessive reliance on vertical networks raised concerns and seemed not to be effective in international opportunity recognition. Institutional networks formed a systematic way of recognizing international opportunities, but more so at the initial market entry stage.

Strategic Management Towards Competitive Advantage—Patterns of Internationalization in the Finnish and Swedish Sawmill Industries

Abstract: The two Nordic European Union countries, Finland and Sweden, have common features and similarities based on their rich forest resources and sizable sawmill industry with internationalization mainly through exports. We compared the Finnish and Swedish sawmill industries and market developments since 1990 and discussed the most eminent country and firm-level differences. In this context, we conducted an academic literature review on strategic approaches of sawmill industries in these countries and mapped the drivers of competitiveness that we could identify from the studies published between years 1990 and 2019. In our study, drivers of competitiveness were identified to stem dominantly from the firm-level strategic decisions and use of internal resources and capabilities, whereas the factors related to the external environment were found to be less prominent. From a methodological perspective, the use of qualitative methods has become more common towards the present date, while the use of mixed approaches is very rare. Research on sawmill industry strategies is quite versatile, but more comparative studies are needed to increase understanding of the developments and state of complex sawmill business that is influenced by a myriad of internal and also external factors.

Entrepreneurship and the sustainable bioeconomy transformation

Abstract: Governments worldwide have formulated visions of a transition toward a bio-based economy (bioeconomy). These visions to move beyond the exploitation of fossil resources complement the United Nation’s sustainability goals such as climate change mitigation. Different factors will shape and foster the successful transition to a knowledge-based bioeconomy; among those factors, entrepreneurial activity is especially promising. Therefore, this study examines the enabling and transformational role of entrepreneurship by conducting a structured literature review and thematic analysis to elicit the implicit views on entrepreneurs and their ventures found in the bioeconomy literature. The review identifies three major entrepreneurial themes addressed in the literature that are included in a holistic framework comprising entrepreneurial activity on the micro level, entrepreneurial ecosystems (or clusters and innovation systems) on the meso level, and governmental vision and support on the macro level. Suggestions for further research on the interface of entrepreneurship and the bioeconomy are also provided.

Networks, institutional environment and firm internationalization

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of network relationships and institutional environment on premium winegrowers’ internationalization process. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a case study approach to examine two premium wine producers engaged in internationalization. The data sources consist of semi-structured interviews, observations at three major events and secondary data sourced from industry reports and materials that are available online. Findings Findings illustrate that both personal and inter-firm networks help wineries to internationalize. Inter-firm networks play a significant role in gaining international legitimacy. Personal networks were found to be more important in establishing brand authenticity that facilitates wineries in their internationalization process. Gaining international legitimacy and establishing brand authenticity are crucial in the successful internationalization of premium wineries. Research limitations/implications This study provides an explanation of how networks can be put into institutional context. Future studies could map out the formal and informal institutions within the wine industry and investigate the closer dynamics among the different actors in the whole network. A whole network is formally structured and governed, yet still built on the relationships among members, making it a very complex phenomenon. This would allow the evaluation of multilateral ties that link firms and actors within the network and how this affects the internationalization process. Practical implications This paper provides managers with insights on how they can capitalize on their inter-firm and personal networks to help them deal with domestic and international institutional environments when embarking on internationalization activities. Originality/value This paper adds to the existing literature on networks relationships and provides an important link between networks, institutions and internationalization.